Hi all,
I am starting to research new grinders. I solely drink espresso and already have a Breville smart grinder pro. It's not a terrible grinder. It's low retention easy to program. I'm looking for something with improved distribution and something with more micro adjustment capability that's build like a tank. Preferably in stainless to match my Breville dual boiler.

I am familiar with the Baratza Vario and sette 270wi but may up my budget because I really like the Fiorenzato F4e nano. If I stretch the budget a little more there is the eureka specialita also.

Between the Fiorenzato f4 and laspecialita which would you choose and why?

Read the posts here on HB about the Niche. If matching the espresso machine is a priority, then don't read the posts about the Niche.

I didn't realize the Niche Zero came down in price. Some are selling for around $750. There are web sites still selling them for $1400. Not many sites even carry them. I'm in the US. I know of the reputation and good reviews. I had taken it out of consideration due to the price.

I don't see anyone dosing directly into a portafilter with the Niche Zero. Is that an option? It's a feature that makes life easier.

i dose directly into a portafilter works great with a funnel. Don't really like dosing into a cup - I suppose if I spent more time figuring out the best way to get it consistent for me it would be ok.

Many 3d printed stand options out there and a few other DIY ideas too.

I also thought the Niche grind cup would be an annoyance and extra step at first. Like many others, I actually don't mind it. I do WDT (stirring the grinds for better distribution) which is often needed with single dosing grinders, so I can either stir in the cup or in the portafilter. All and all, it's a 5 seconds extra step. Maybe.

I have a friend who owns an F4E and it's very solid. Pretty, efficient and sturdy. With the burrs aligned, it's a great performer. Better build quality than the Sette no doubt.

The Mignon Specialita has been getting lots of praises ever since its release. With the NZ in the mix, I guess it comes down to "single dosing vs hopper"...

Cheers!

I read on some web site the baratza and specialita have a little less grind retention than the Fiorianzato. The laspecialita adjusts from below the motor. I question the durability of the design. The Vario plastic interface looks very cheap also. That's why I was leaning towards the F4. The F4 reminds me if an appliance your Grandmother or Grandfather had in their kitchen for 50 years that still runs.

I'm looking to upgrade my grinder. It will need to pair with my breville dual boiler. Every time I think I found the holy grail of grinders, I stumble upon another grinder that seems equal or better. My budget is under $700. I want to single dose into a portafilter. It has to fit under my cabinets. Low retention. No clumping and good distribution. Single dosing or close. Built like a tank.

I thought the Fiorenzato F4 looked like the one. However I'm concerned about cleaning and changing burrs.

Then there's the niche zero but I would need to modify to dose into a portafilter and I don't want to mod a brand new grinder especially for the price.

I'm looking for the best bang for my buck that is easy to maintain and will last several lifetimes.

Help!!!!!!!!!

Your thread from this morning:

HotLava wrote:I am starting to research new grinders.

Your thread from this evening:

HotLava wrote:I'm looking to upgrade my grinder.

Please use a single thread for your grinder purchase decision; multiple threads on the same subject leads to needless repetition of previous suggestions. I've merged the two into your original. Thanks.

HotLava wrote:I thought the Fiorenzato F4 looked like the one. However I'm concerned about cleaning and changing burrs.

Every grinder needs cleaning every once in a while. There are plenty of instructions on youtube on burr cleaning, typically using a Mazzer grinder as an example. The grind adjustment system and how to remove the upper burr carrier is identical for the Fiorenzatos.
If you are bothered about having to re-dial in after having cleaned the burrs, consider one of the Eureka grinders instead.

As far as burr replacement is concerned: with my old Compak K3 I ground some 25 kg/year, doing 3-4 shots a day on average. The manual advises to change burrs every 350 kg/h. Even at half that amount it would mean the burrs would still last 7 years. Just to give you an indication of expected burr lifetime on an entry level commercial grinder in a domestic setting. The F4E burrs should at least be as durable.